The Master of Science (M.S.) degree certified by the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics (DARE) is a formal program of study consisting of 30 credit hours including a work of original research (thesis or technical paper). The program is designed as a standard two year M.S. degree, but students who work diligently can finish earlier. Class work is focused on microeconomic applications and quantitative methods, and can typically be completed in approximately three semesters. Most M.S. students in DARE opt to prepare a thesis, which must be defended publicly before a degree is granted.